A Shortcut to Finding Community and Connection in West Palm Beach

I’ve moved around a lot in my life, so when I decided to relocate to #WestPalmBeach from #NewYorkCity last October, I knew I needed to live downtown to maintain that city vibe. I also wanted to find a building that offered a "soft landing"—a place where community and social connections were a priority. Back in #Manhattan, my building, The Crossing, was incredibly social. Management gave tenant representatives a budget to host parties and comedy shows, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere where neighbors became friends.

When I started searching for apartments in #Florida last August, I prioritized buildings that hosted events for residents. That’s how I chose the place I now call home. Since moving in, the building has organized a wine and cheese event and a holiday party. I’ve also made friends with a few other single women, giving me a solid group of brunch buddies. It helps that we’re just a 10-minute walk from the restaurant scene on #ClematisStreet, and downtown West Palm Beach is a walker’s paradise.

With the "season" in full swing, the area is buzzing with events. One December evening, while meeting friends at The Royal Poinciana Plaza in #PalmBeach, I stumbled upon a lively courtyard party open to all. There were drink stations, a DJ, and snacks being passed around. For newcomers, I highly recommend signing up for local newsletters—they’re a great way to stay informed about what’s happening. The Square at CityPlace, for instance, is always hosting something fun. Last week, I attended a closing party for the Bal Harbour Shops popup and met a new friend, a doctor, who’s now my happy-hour buddy. Speaking of happy hours, they’re incredibly reasonable here. One spot (which I won’t name to avoid crowds) sells a glass of Veuve Clicquot for just $12!

As a new real estate agent in town, I’m focusing on apartment rentals in downtown West Palm Beach. I understand the challenges of relocating, from culture shock to rebuilding your social life, and I’m passionate about helping others find the right community for their needs. Some buildings here make it easy to connect, especially if you work remotely. Many offer amenities like conference rooms, quiet workspaces, resort-style pools, outdoor grills, game rooms, state-of-the-art gyms, and lounges. My building even has a tennis court and a rooftop running track. For entertainment lovers, one building hosts daily happy hours and even had a celebrity sighting—Bradley Cooper!

Each building caters to different lifestyles. For example, one couple I know chose a place opposite the Brightline station because they take the train to #Miami every weekend to visit their kids. Exploring the area has helped me discover the best spots to visit and the right times to go—especially on Palm Beach, where timing is everything. On New Year’s Eve, we learned the hard way when we arrived at The Breakers hotel after 8:30 p.m., only to find it had closed to non-residents guests at 7 p.m. We ended up dining at Henry's, while a long line of kids waited to get into Cucina next door. Palm Beach has this fascinating mix of very old folks and very young people, with a noticeable absence of the demographic in the middle. Speaking of The Breakers, they own Henry's and they are buying up a lot of downtown Palm Beach, including the old post office building.

I love organizing events, so I’ve started my first Meetup group in Palm Beach: Palm Beach Social Meetup Group. The first event, a happy hour on January 24, 2025, was fully booked within a day! I’m thrilled about the opportunity to bring people together, grow my network, and create a vibrant community.

West Palm Beach has so much to offer, and I’m excited to keep discovering and sharing its unique charm. If you want to make your relocation easy in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, let me help you find the right home. I can also help you with your commercial real estate needs.

DEBORAH PETERS REALTOR? | Coldwell Banker Realty

224 Datura St? suite 1112 West Palm Beach, Fl 33401 C. 561 231 0137

debbie.peters@cbrealty.com?| ColdwellBankerHomes.com